The world of Dickens is being brought to life in Croydon libraries.

As part of the celebration of Charles Dickens bicentenary a string of free activities is taking place at Croydon’s libraries, which began on Saturday April 15, with a live performance of the classic tale of Oliver Twist in Croydon Central Library.

Fans of one of Britain’s most famous literary figures can also enjoy Victorian arts and crafts demonstrations and historical talks and explore their own past with sessions helping people trace their family tree.

Novelist, historian and walks leader Ian Porter will be providing his wealth of knowledge with events are scheduled for Thornton Heath Library on April 20 from 10.30am, Selsdon Library on April 26 from 2pm and Central Library on April 28 from 2pm.

There is an ongoing Dickens photographic exhibition at the central local studies library depicting 19th century Croydon and a Victorian treasure hunt will take place at Ashburton Library on April 27, with a teenage writing workshop at Norbury Library on the same day.

Elsewhere, Coulsdon Library will host a talk on the history of Cane Hill on April 26, and in Shirley Library on April 24 people can learn all about medicine in Dickensian times.

Councillor Sara Bashford, cabinet member for customer services, culture and sport said: "Charles Dickens is one of the most celebrated novelists ever to have lived, and this celebration of his work is a great way of getting people to think about reading more of his books.

"What would be even better would be if some people got the writing bug and ended up becoming published themselves."

For listings of all the events across Croydon and information about whether booking is necessary visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/cityread.